AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  C-17

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (with C Device), to Master Sergeant Matthew J Parker for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force as Critical Care Air Transport Team Cardiopulmonary Technician, 405th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 407th Air Expeditionary Group, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait on August 27, 2021. During this mission in support of Operation FREEDOM'S SENTINEL, acting in response to a mass casualty evacuation operation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Sergeant Parker's critical care expertise was pivotal to the safe transport of eleven multi-national and joint service members, including three ventilated critical care patients, eight non­critical patients and five attendants to higher echelons of care. Additionally, as the sole respiratory therapist, he oversaw the airway, endotracheal tube management and preflight preparation for all three ventilated patients. Sergeant Parker's astute clinical skillset ensured the safe transport of all patients to higher echelons of care and further surgical intervention. Finally, Sergeant Parker and his team continued to optimize critical care treatment throughout the flight and propelled the single largest aeromedical evacuation airlift in Kabul Coalition Hospital's history. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Parker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.